Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Where's the Wally (i.e., me)

I took an afternoon off, yesterday, to visit the London Chess Classic, and the opening match between Vladimir Kramnik and the most exciting chess star around today, the young Magnus Carlsen. This was the first time I had actually seen these guys in the flesh, so in true geek style I was rather excited. In the picture below, in the front row, you can see, starting closest to the camera, Ni Hau, Nigel Short, Vlad Kramnik, Michael Adams, David Howell, Magnus Carlsen, Luke McShane, and Hikaru Nakamura.

Where's the Wally? (The receding hair line gives me away!)


(Photo by Frederic Friedel and Pascal Simon, on http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=5972)

4 comments:

Jan Krans said...

Congratulations. You must have witnessed a fantastic round, with that historic Carlsen win. Did you stay the full 163 moves in McShane-Short?

Steve Bricker said...

I haven't followed or played competitive chess in several years, so I have no idea who Magnus Carlsen is. However, I do appreciate the thrill of being able to watch good chess being played.

steph said...

Your hair isn't that receding Chris, it's more your chubby little cheeks that give you away. If that's you down in the front row next to the lad closest to us.

Mind you, you could be that blur. A blur seems kind of appropriate
;-)

Chris Tilling said...

Hi Jan,
I know, a great honour. Didn't stay for the McShane-Short long haul, I must admit.

Steve, Magnus is chess's hottest property at the moment - now to become the world'S officially highest ranked player!

Steph,

Actually, you have the wrong person! That is Nigel Short. I am at the back, on the right!